LYNDEN, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Lynden man is in custody following a sexual assault that occurred at a Bellingham park.
My Bellingham Now previously reported that the victim reported being assaulted and robbed by the man at Little Squalicum Park on Aug. 20.
She told police that the suspect was armed with a knife during the assault and later stole her wallet. Both the knife and wallet were later recovered.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says that over the past week, several community members and businesses offered tips and surveillance footage of the suspect.
A suspect vehicle was identified and was traced back to 35-year-old Joseph Drager.
Drager was arrested as he was leaving his home on Wednesday, Aug. 27.
A search warrant of his home found the clothes he was wearing on the day of the assault, and evidence that Drager attempted to change his appearance to avoid getting caught.
“This heinous crime profoundly affects the victim and the victim’s family and shakes the community. We are proud of the work of our detectives in their dedication to solving this case and helping to bring justice and safety to the community,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley. “We also thank the agencies, businesses and residents who provided valuable information which led to the identification of the suspect.”
He remains at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.
